Attaching loader bucket to tractor for shipping

Abstract

A loader bucket is attached for tractor shipping in a non-operational position between the front and rear wheels of the tractor. The loader bucket may be attached to the mast using a bracket between a first surface of the loader bucket and the mast, and a brace between a second surface of the loader bucket and the bracket, to resist pivotal movement of the loader bucket.

1. A loader bucket attached to a compact utility tractor for shipping comprising:
 a supporting structure attached between a mast of the tractor and a first surface of the bucket holding the bucket in a vertically aligned non-operational shipping position raised off the ground surface; and 
 a brace extending between the supporting structure and a second surface of the bucket to resist pivotal movement of the bucket. 
 
     
     
       2. The loader bucket attached to a tractor for shipping according to  claim 1 , wherein the tractor has a pair of rear traction drive wheels and a pair of front steerable wheels, and the bucket is positioned between the rear wheels and the front wheels without contacting any of the wheels. 
     
     
       3. The loader bucket attached to a tractor for shipping according to  claim 1 , wherein the supporting structure is a metal bracket. 
     
     
       4. A loader bucket attached to a compact utility tractor for shipping, comprising:
 a bracket attached to a mast of the compact utility tractor and to the bucket holding the bucket off the ground in a non-operational position between a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels of the tractor; and 
 a brace between the bucket and the bracket. 
 
     
     
       5. The loader bucket attached to a tractor for shipping according to  claim 4 , wherein the bracket is a steel plate. 
     
     
       6. The loader bucket attached to a tractor for shipping according to  claim 4 , wherein the brace is a metal rod. 
     
     
       7. The loader bucket attached to a tractor for shipping according to  claim 4 , wherein the bracket is attached to a first outer surface of the bucket, and the brace is attached to a second outer surface of the bucket. 
     
     
       8. A method of attaching a loader bucket to a compact utility tractor for shipping, comprising:
 raising the bucket off the ground in a non-operational position on a side of the tractor; 
 fastening a bracket between a mast of the tractor and a first surface of the raised bucket; 
 fastening a brace between the bracket and a second surface of the raised bucket.